Aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT or AST) is an enzyme occurring in different body tissues, but mainly in the liver and muscles, including your heart muscles. The AST test is usually for diagnosing and monitoring liver disease.
Lower AST levels have no clinical significance, but an abnormally high level signifies liver cells or muscle damage resulting in leakage of their content into the blood.
High AST levels (350 units per litre or higher) usually result from acute viral hepatitis. These high levels often return to normal within 1 – 2 months or, in some cases, 3 – 6 months.
Extremely high levels of AST (3000 U/L or higher) indicate toxic liver impairment by poison or drug or a condition that reduces blood flow through the liver, leading to cell destruction (ischemia).
Moderately high AST levels (less than four times the normal range) occur in other liver diseases such as cirrhosis, liver cancer and bile duct obstruction. AST levels may also be high when muscular diseases are present and a few days following a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
We offer the aspartate aminotransferase test at Private Blood Tests London. Visit our clinic today at Suite E, 117a Harley St, Marylebone, London W1G 6AT or call 020 71830244 to schedule an appointment with us.